Method and apparatus for displaying system status with a wide range of viewing angle

ABSTRACT

Network device includes a plate, an OTST plate, and a light source. First plate is situated at a first side of the network device wherein the first side can be the front side of device. OTST plate is situated at a second side of the network device and positioned substantially perpendicular to the plate, wherein the OTST plate having a first surface and a second surface further includes status indicators showing performance status associated with the network device. The light source, in one embodiment, can be an LED device capable of projecting a light beam with a predefined angle onto the first surface of OTST plate illuminating one or more status indicators. At least one status indicator is viewable from the second surface or bottom surface of OTST second plate when at least a portion of OTST plate is illuminated.

PRIORITY

The present application is a continuous in part (CIP) application ofco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/554,281, entitled “WideViewing Angle Indicators for Network Devices”, filed on Sep. 4, 2009,hereby incorporated into the present application by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application contains subject matter that may be related tothe subject matter in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/330,313 entitled:“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING SYSTEM STATUS WITH A WIDE RANGE OFVIEWING ANGLE”, filed on Dec. 19, 2011.

BACKGROUND

A high-speed network environment typically includes network devices suchas routers and switches used for facilitating delivery of informationpackets and/or data traffic from source devices to destination devicesvia communication networks such as IP and/or packet-based networks.Information pertaining to the transfer of data packet(s) and/or frame(s)through the network(s) is usually embedded within the packet and/orframe itself. Each packet, for instance, traveling through multiplenodes via one or more communication networks such as Internet and/orEthernet can typically be handled independently from other packets in apacket stream or traffic. Each node which may include routing,switching, and/or bridging engines processes incoming packet(s) orframe(s) and determines where the packet(s) or frame(s) should beforwarded.

A typical modern local area network (“LAN”) includes various types ofnetworks such as a home area network (“HAN”), a residential LAN, and/ora network gateway used for connecting multiple network devices within anenclosure like a building or home. Devices can be computers, printers,Internet connections, servers, televisions, gaming units, and the like.With increasing popularity of home networking and triple play services(voice, video and data), high-speed computing network devices forhandling information such as IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) are indemand. A network switch for HAN, for example, can operate over existingwiring, such as coax cables or power lines, for transmitting networkinformation.

With increasing capabilities of a typical network device, managing andmonitoring network performance have become increasingly difficult. Aproblem associated with a typical network device is limited viewingand/or monitoring performance of functional icons on the device. Forexample, current LED indicators are typically shown on one verticalsurface by illuminating a functional icon which has limited viewingangle. When a user moves toward the device (router or switch), theviewing angle of the illuminated icon becomes acute and the icons aredifficult to observe.

SUMMARY

A device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilitiesusing wide view angle indicators are disclosed. A device includes anetwork device, a multimedia device, a handheld device, a gaming device,and the like. A network device capable of providing data transmissionincludes a first plate, an OTST (or second) plate, and a light source.The first plate is situated at a first side of the network devicewherein the first side can be the front side of device. The OTST plateis situated at a second side of the network device and positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein the OTST platehaving a first surface and a second surface further includes statusindicators showing performance status associated with the networkdevice. The light source, in one embodiment, can be an LED devicecapable of projecting a column of light beam with a predefined angleonto the first surface of OTST plate illuminating one or more statusindicators. At least one status indicator is viewable from the secondsurface or bottom surface of OTST second plate when at least a portionof OTST plate is illuminated.

Additional features and benefits of the exemplary embodiment(s) of thepresent invention will become apparent from the detailed description,figures and claims set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be understoodmore fully from the detailed description given below and from theaccompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which,however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specificembodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 is a two-dimensional (“2D”) diagram illustrating a structurallayout of a network device having a wide viewing angle for performancemanagement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate portions of network device having diffusedillumination areas in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3A-B are cross-section diagrams illustrating diffused illuminationareas in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-B are cross-section diagrams illustrating light beams generatedby a light source in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5A-B are cross-section diagrams showing sectional views of adevice using wide angle viewing orientations in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing a wide angleviewing orientation in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a device layout capable ofproviding wide angle viewing orientation in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates another perspective view of a device layout capableof providing wide angle viewing orientation in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a device layout capable of providingwide angle viewing orientation in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a standing view of a device layout capable ofproviding wide angle viewing orientation in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a top view cutaway diagram illustrating a network device1002 capable of displaying system status viewable in a wide viewingangle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a cross-section diagram 1150 illustrating network devicecapable of displaying system status in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11C is a cross-section diagram illustrating a prism or opticalprism capable of transmitting light in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12A is a cross-section diagram illustrating a light pattern capableof illuminating inscribed indicators on a surface of base plate inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12B is an exemplary three-dimensional (“3D”) diagram showingilluminated status indicators and overlaying performance statusindicator in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a cross-section diagram showing an example of displayingsystem status via inscribed indicators viewable from the bottom surfaceof base plate in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13B is a 3D diagram illustrating status indicators viewable frombottom surface or backside of device in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a system status viewable rangedisplayed by network device in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15A is a cross-section diagram showing status display of a networkdevice using ultraviolet (“UV”) light and UV inked status indicator inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15B illustrates a UV light which is calibrated and guided toproject the UV light onto top surface of base plate in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a status display using UV light withmultiple sub-layers of UV inked icons in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying status witha wide viewing angle using VU light in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIGS. 18A-C illustrate perspective views of a device layout capable ofdisplaying device status with wide viewable angle using an OTST plate inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention is described herein inthe context of a method, device, and apparatus of improving performancemonitoring using wide angle viewing capabilities.

Those of ordinary skills in the art will realize that the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) is illustrative onlyand is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments willreadily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit ofthis disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementationsof the exemplary embodiment(s) as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout thedrawings and description to refer to the same or like parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be understood that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application- and business-related constraints, and that thesespecific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from onedeveloper to another. It, however, will be understood that such adevelopment effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skills in the art having the benefit of embodiment(s) of thisdisclosure.

Various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawingsmay not be drawn to scale. Rather, the dimensions of the variousfeatures may be expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some ofthe drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may notdepict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) ormethod.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skills in the art to which the exemplary embodiment(s)belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand this exemplary embodiment(s) of the disclosure unless otherwisedefined.

As used herein, the singular forms of article “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. Also, the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items

A network device such as a switch or a router includes a first plate, asecond plate, and a light source. The first plate has multipleperformance indicators situated at one side of the network device. Thesecond plate has multiple performance indicators wherein the secondplate is situated at a surface having a predefined angle with respect tothe first plate. The performance indicators on the first plate, in oneembodiment, are the same indicators as the performance indicators on thesecond plate. The light source or apparatus, which includes at least onelight emitting diode (“LED”) and optical element(s), is capable ofgenerating two illuminating beams. Optical elements, including opticallens, optical panel(s), optical channel, are capable of directing,converting, and splitting optical light. The first illuminating beamilluminates a portion of device performance viewable opposite from thefirst plate and the second illuminating beam illuminates a first portionof device performance viewable opposite from the second plate. The term“viewable opposite from the first plate” means that a user or observerdirectly or indirectly faces the first plate and sees the lightilluminating from the first plate. Similarly, the term “viewableopposite from the second plate” has the similar meaning as the term“viewable opposite from the first plate.”

FIG. 1 is a two-dimensional (“2D”) diagram 100 illustrating a structuralnetwork device having a wide viewing angle for displaying device statusin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 100illustrates a top view 102, a front view 104, and a side view 106 of thedevice. Side view 106, in one example, shows the device in a standingorientation while front view 104 shows the device in a desktop orhorizontal orientation. Diagram 100 essentially illustrates a structuralenclosure or case with a removable stand 120 wherein the case isconfigured to house a network device, such as a switch, router, wirelessgateway, hub, bridge, and the like. It should be noted that theunderlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentinvention would not change if one or more elements were added to orremoved from diagram 100.

Top view 102 of the device includes a cover 118, a removable stand 120,and a lip 112, wherein lip 112 further includes a first plate or an iconplate 114. Cover 118, which can also be called a top lid, top side, etcetera, includes a logo area 122, a top vent 116, and an edge vent 110.While vents 110 and 116 provide a cooling function for heat dissipation,logo area 122 facilitates or hosts a trader mark logo such as NETGEAR™.It should be noted that logo area 122, which is currently located at thecenter top section, can be moved anywhere on the case. Icon plate 114,in one embodiment, indicates device performance using variousperformance icons or indicators with partial diffused illuminationareas.

For example, icon plate 114 includes an on-off icon, “2.4 GHz” icon, “5GHz”, “1” icon, “2” icon, “3” icon, “4” icon, and so on. While 2.4 GHzand 5 GHz icons indicate the speed of the data transmission, 1-4 icons,for example, indicate the status of network connections. Each icon mayhave at least one associated light source, wherein activities of lightbeams generated by the light source indicate the status or performanceof the associated icon. For instance, when the light beam associatedwith “2” icon is lit, it indicates that the network connection orchannel 2 connection is active or connected. In addition, if the lightbeam(s) associated with 2.4 GHz is blinking or flashing, it indicatesthat the current data transmission is 2.4 billon cycles per second.

Front view 104 of the device shows a front viewing perspective includingcover 118, edge vent 110, wall 136, stand 120, lip 112, and a front iconplate 130. Similar to icon plate 114, front icon plate 130, in oneembodiment, indicates device performance using various status icons withpartial diffused illumination areas. Front icon plate 130 also includesone or more switches 132 used to turn on and/or off the device. Frontview 104 of the device further includes an optical channel 134 and aninterlock element 138. Channel 134, in one embodiment, is situatedbetween lip 112 and front icon plate 130 for guiding and facilitatingdiffused illumination generated by optical beams. Interlock element 138can be a lock or an anchoring system used for fastening or attachingremovable stand 120 to the device whereby the device can be placed in amore desirable orientation.

Side view 106 of the device shows a side viewing perspective havingcover 118, stand 120, and a bottom side 140, wherein bottom side 140includes an edge or lip 112. Side view 106 can also be viewed as a topview when the device is in vertical or standing position. It should benoted that cover 118 has a parabolic curve, which provides aestheticappearance as well as functional application(s). A functionalapplication, for instance, can be heat dissipation. For example, whenthe device is in horizontal or desktop position, the heat generated byvarious internal components accumulates at the tip of parabolic curve ofcover 118 whereby top vent 116 can dissipate heat or hot air via itsopenings.

Icon plate 114 is situated at one side of device and front icon plate130 is situated at a surface having a predefined angle with respect toicon plate 114. The predefined angle, in one example, is 90 degree.Alternatively, the predefined angle can have an angle any where between10 degree and 170 degree. In one embodiment, the plates are structuredby transparent or semitransparent optical materials capable offacilitating one or more diffused illumination areas for performanceindicators. The performance indicators on both plates may be the sameindicators.

The light source, in one embodiment, guided by an optical guidingchannel, generates a first illuminating beam and a second illuminatingbeam, wherein the first illuminating beam illuminates a first portion ofdevice performance viewable opposite from the first plate (or iconplate) 114 and the second illuminating beam illuminates a first portionof device performance viewable opposite from the second plate (or fronticon plate) 130. The device can include a second light source which isalso capable of generating two illuminating beams, wherein the firstilluminating beam of the second light source illuminates a secondportion of device performance viewable opposite from the first plate andthe second illuminating beam of the second light source illuminates asecond portion of device performance viewable opposite from the secondplate.

The optical guiding channel creates a groove between the first plate andthe second plate. An optical diffuser, coupled with the optical guidingchannel, is configured to generate at least one area of diffusedillumination in response to light generated by the first light source. Aremovable stand 120 is able to attach itself to a third side of thenetwork device for facilitate placing the network device in a verticalposition.

An advantage of using the embodiment(s) of the illustrated device is toenhance device capabilities for performance monitoring and/or displayingwith wide viewing angles.

FIG. 2A illustrates a portion of front view for a network device 200having a diffused illumination area in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Device 200 includes wall 136, optical channel134, lip 112, and diffused illumination area 202, wherein wall 136 canalso be referred to as a side of housing. Diffused illumination area 202is generated by a light source, not shown in FIG. 2A, and is viewableopposite from wall 136. It should be noted that the underlying conceptof the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not changeif one or more elements were added to or removed from diagram 200.

Wall 136, in one embodiment, includes a front icon plate 130 which is agraphic/viewing surface having one or more icons. Icons, which are alsoknown as markers or indicators, are used to indicate device status orperformance when the associated diffused illumination areas areactivated. For example, when diffused illumination area 202 is lit oractivated, it indicates that network connection “xyz” is active.

Optical channel 134 is formed between lip 112 and wall 136 used forguiding the light beam(s). Optical channel 134, in one embodiment,includes a light mask which is capable of creating and/or facilitatingone or more diffused illumination areas. The diffused illumination areasassociated with icon(s) on icon plate 130 are viewable opposite fromfront icon plate 130. A light mask is used to collimate optical light toa specific or predefined area and also control and/or prevent lightspreading to other portions of the graphical viewing interface.

FIG. 2B illustrates a portion of top view of network device 210 having adiffused illumination area in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Device 210 includes cover 118, edge vent 110 with apattern, lip 112, and a diffused illumination area 212. Diffusedillumination area 212 is generated by a light source, not shown in FIG.2B, and is viewable opposite from lip 112. Edge vent 110 situated at theedge of cover 118 provides heat dissipation for temperature control. Inone embodiment, FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of device shown in FIG.2A.

Lip 112, which is also known as an edge of a bottom side, includes iconplate 114 which is a graphic/viewing surface having one or more icons.Icons, which are also known as markers or indicators, are used toindicate device status or performance when the associated diffusedillumination areas are activated. For example, when diffusedillumination area 212 is lit or activated, it indicates that networkconnection “xyz” is active.

Optical channel 134 is situated between lip 112 and wall 136 for guidingthe light beam(s) to create diffused illumination area(s). Icon plate114, in one example, is capable of facilitating one or more diffusedillumination areas, wherein the diffused illumination areas are viewableopposite from icon plate 114. In one example, icons “xyz” on front iconplate 130 and icon plate 114 represent the same network connection, anddiffused illumination areas 202 and 212 are generated by a single lightsource or LED.

Lip 112 is an extended edge, which is substantially perpendicular tofront icon plate 130, and houses icon plate 114 to enhance the viewingangle of diffused illumination areas. Large viewing angle enhancesperformance monitoring capabilities by a user or an administrator.Marker or indicator as printed graphic function allows light generatedby an LED to be seen from straight on (or zero degree viewing angle). Itshould be noted that performance of a function is indicated byillumination of an LED in close proximity to its respective functionalicon or marker. Network device 200 or 210 uses light such as diffusedilluminations to project directly or indirectly onto angled graphicsurfaces 114 and 130 for performance monitoring by a user.

Present embodiment(s) of the device allows a user or networkadministrator to view status indicators over a wide angle with multipleorientations by using two indicator surfaces of indirect lighting. Afirst surface is a printed graphic surface and a second surface is anangled printed graphic surface. In one example, the first surface is inclose proximity to a light source while the second surface is lit by thesame light source. Note that an application of the present embodiment isapplicable to desktop products used for network processing as well asstanding products.

FIG. 3A is a cross-section diagram 300 showing sectional view of anetwork device illustrating a diffused illumination area in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is athree-dimensional (“3D”) diagram 350 showing sectional views of anetwork device shown in diagram 300 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Diagram 300 shows wall 136, optical channel 134,and lip 112 wherein wall 136 further includes a graphic viewing surface302 while lip 112 includes a second graphic viewing surface 304. Graphicviewing surfaces 302-304 are used to facilitate one or more diffusedillumination areas. It should be noted that the underlying concept ofthe exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change ifone or more elements were added to or removed from diagrams 300 or 310.

Diagram 350 further illustrates cover 118, light source 352 emitting alight beam 354, and diffused illumination area 356. Lighting source 352may include LED, lens, and the like. To generate diffused illuminationarea 356, various optical elements and materials are used to initiateand control light beams with sufficient space between them. For example,graphic viewing surface 302 or 304 may be made by a specific opticalmaterial to collimate light beam(s) thereby a predefined diffusedillumination area can be properly achieved.

In operation, diffused illuminations or lighting indicators are lit on avertical surface or front icon plate by illuminating a functional iconwith certain viewing angle. As a user or administrator moves toward oraway from the device, the viewing angle becomes more acute. The presentembodiment(s) of the invention provides a device having a wide viewingangle to enhance performance monitoring. It should be noted that avertical graphical indicating surface and a second angled graphicalindicating surface are lit by a single LED. The graphical indicatingsurfaces, however, do not need to be orthogonal, nor vertical andhorizontal. A desirable angled surface can be formed based on specificapplications.

For a desktop product or device, a user's viewing point, for example, isabove the device. When the user moves closer to the device, for example,the user's vantage point is higher above the product and cuts downreadability of front panel indicators as the viewing angle becomes moreacute. The advantage of the embodiment(s) of present invention is toallow a greater than 90 degree continuous viewing angle. User or userscan observe device status or performance from a horizontal orientationto a vertical orientation. It should be noted that the embodiment of thepresent invention allows the product or device to be placed horizontallyor vertically on a desk.

FIG. 4A is a cross-section diagram 400 illustrating light beamsgenerated by a light source in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Diagram 400 shows wall 136, lip 112, and a lightsource 352 with a diffuser 406. Depending on the position of lightsource 352, a light beam with predefined collimation 402 can be formedwhen optical light passes through diffuser 406. The viewing angle of thelighting generated by light source 352 is also controlled or confined byoptical channel 134. FIG. 4B illustrates graphic viewing surface 304used to optically deflect diffused illumination 452 when the opticalbeam(s) passes through light mask 454 and strikes on the surface ofgraphic viewing surface 304. Depending on the applications, differentoptical materials may be used for graphic view surfaces for differentapplications. A diffusing surface is applied to the front of a lightmask for providing greater light projection to horizontal graphicviewing areas.

FIG. 5A is a cross-section diagram 500 showing sectional views of adevice using wide angle viewing orientations in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Diagram 500 includes opticalchannel 134, light source 352, and a viewing angle 502. Depending on theapplications, various different optical materials may be used to makegraphic view surfaces 504, 510, light mask 508, and upper side 506. Notethat upper side 506 and graphic viewing surface 510 form optical channel134 which is at least partially responsible to collimate optical lightviewable from a direction indicated by arrow 514. When a user 512 looksat direction 514, user 512 can see device performance and/or status byviewing the diffused illumination(s) associated with indicator(s) withviewing angle 502. The range of viewing angle 502 can change dependingon the position of light source 352, lens 516, channel 134, as well asoptical materials used.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section diagram 550 showing sectional views of devicelayout having wide angle viewing orientations in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Diagram 550 includes opticalchannel 134, light source 352, and a viewing angle 552. The position oflight source 352 and materials used for graphic viewing surface 510determines the range of viewable angle 552. When a user 562 looks atdirection 564, user 562 can view device performance by observingdiffused illuminations associated with indicator(s) with viewing angle552. The range of viewing angle 552 can change depending on the positionof light source 352, lens 516, channel 134, as well as optical materialsused in the device.

When viewing angles 502 and 552 overlap, a user has a 90-degree viewableangle to monitor device status. It should be noted that the viewableangle can be greater than 90 degree angle. In one embodiment, thecombination of angles 502 and 552 is a wide viewing angle.

In one example, a system for network communication has a first graphicviewing surface, a second graphic viewing surface, and an LED. The firstgraphic viewing surface has first printed icons describing functionalindicators and the second graphic viewing surface has second printedicons describing functional indicators. The first and second graphicviewing surfaces are situated at a predefined angle. The LED provides afirst diffused illumination area and a second diffused illuminationarea. The first diffused illumination area illuminates a portion of thefirst graphic viewing surface to indicate a first device performance andthe second diffused illumination area illuminates a portion of thesecond graphic viewing surface to indicate a second device performance.The first device performance and the second device performance canindicate substantially the same device performance. The system mayfurther include an optical guiding channel capable of guiding opticalbeams to create the first and the second diffused illumination areas.The optical guiding channel, in one aspect, creates a groove between thefirst graphic viewing surface and the second graphic viewing surface.The predefined angle may include a range from 20 degrees to 170 degrees.

The exemplary aspect of the present invention includes variousprocessing steps, which will be described below. The steps of the aspectmay be embodied in machine or computer executable instructions. Theinstructions can be used to cause a general purpose or special purposesystem, which is programmed with the instructions, to perform the stepsof the exemplary aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, thesteps of the exemplary aspect of the present invention may be performedby specific hardware components that contain hard-wired logic forperforming the steps, or by any combination of programmed computercomponents and custom hardware components.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 illustrating a process of providing a wideangle viewing orientation in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. At block 602, a network process obtains a firstfunctional status in accordance with at least a portion of deviceperformance. For example, the process is capable of identifying a signalindicating bandwidth of communication.

At block 604, the process generates a light beam from a light source inresponse to the portion of device performance. For example, a section ofa graphic viewing surface in accordance with the portion of deviceperformance is subsequently illuminated.

At block 606, the process is capable of guiding a first portion of thelight beam via an optical guiding channel to indicate the portion ofdevice performance viewable in a first orientation. The process directsor forwards sufficient portion of light beam to form a first diffusedillumination area in a first direction.

At block 608, the process guides a second portion of the light beam viathe optical guiding channel to indicate the portion of deviceperformance viewable in a second orientation. The process is capable ofdirecting sufficient portion of light beam to form a second diffusedillumination area in a second direction.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a set of 3D device layouts capable of enhancingthe capability of status monitoring using wide angle viewingorientations in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Overview for Network Device having Optical Transparent orSemitransparent Plate

FIGS. 11-17 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a network devicecapable of displaying system status using an optical transparent orsemitransparent (“OTST”) plate which allows the system status to beviewable in a wide angle.

A network device capable of providing data transmission includes a firstplate, an OTST (or second) plate, and a light source. The first plate issituated at a first side of the network device wherein the first sidecan be the front side of device. The OTST plate is situated at a secondside of the network device and positioned substantially perpendicular tothe first plate, wherein the OTST plate having a first surface and asecond surface further includes status indicators showing performancestatus associated with the network device. The light source, in oneembodiment, can be an LED device capable of projecting a column of lightbeam with a predefined angle onto the first surface of OTST plateilluminating one or more status indicators. At least one statusindicator is viewable from the second surface or bottom surface of OTSTsecond plate when at least a portion of OTST plate is illuminated.

Alternatively, a network device or system includes a first plate, asecond plate, and a first light source. The first plate includes an edgelip or lip containing a graphic viewing surface. Various ultraviolet(“UV”) inked icons indicating functional performance are inscribed in oron the graphic viewing surface. The second plate is situatedsubstantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein an edge of thesecond plate is positioned adjacent to the graphic viewing surface. Thefirst light source is configured to selectively project a UV light ontoat least a portion of the graphic viewing surface to active at least oneUV inked icon.

FIG. 11A is a top view partially cutaway diagram 1100 illustrating anetwork device 1002 capable of displaying system status viewable in awide viewing angle in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Diagram 1100 includes a base plate 1110, a vertical viewingsurface 504, a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 1102, light sources 1106,and light guides 1108. In one embodiment, light sources 1106 are LEDs,solid state semiconductor light emitting devices, and/or any other typesof light emitting apparatus. It should be noted that the underlyingconcept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention wouldnot change if one or more elements were added to or removed fromdiagrams 1100.

Base plate 1110, in one embodiment, is a light transmissible planeconfigured to attach to one side of network device 1002. To anchornetwork device 1002, base plate 1110 is fastened to the bottom surfaceof network device 1002. Base plate 1110 includes a stand 120 allowingnetwork device 1002 to stand in vertical orientation. Note that stand120 may be detachable from base plate 1110. In one embodiment, baseplate 1110 has an edge lip or lip 1111 which is a protruding portion ofbase plate 1110 adjacent to network device 1002. Edge lip 1111 providessystem status associated with network device 1002.

Edge lip 1111 of base plate 1110 includes a group of performance statusindicators or graphic icons 1104 used to indicate system or performancestatus. Performance status indicators 1104 includes, but not limited to,“WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup),” “WiFi on/off,” “Power on/off,” “Internetconnection,” “2.4 GHz,” “LAN 1,” “LAN 2,” “USB 1,” etcetera. Varioussymbols representing performance status indicators 1104, for example,may be used to indicate system status associated with network device1002. The terms “performance status indicators,” “status graphic icons,”“inscribed status indicator,” “status indicators,” “system status,” and“UV inked icons” have the same or substantially the same meaning, andare used herein interchangeably in the follow description.

Base plate 1110, in one aspect, is fabricated with optical transparentand/or semitransparent (OTST) material capable of transmitting opticallight. For example, base plate 1110 may be fabricated by glass, plastic,polymer, resin, fiberglass, epoxy, or a combination of glass, plastic,polymer, resin, fiberglass, epoxy. Status indicators 1104, in oneembodiment, can be molded, inscribed, and/or printed on a surface ofedge lip 1111. The surface can be either the top surface or bottomsurface of edge lip 1111. Alternatively, status indicators 1104 can beinscribed or embedded inside of edge lip 1111. The inscribed wordsand/or symbols representing status indicators 1104 are configured to beviewable from a distance with a wide range of angle when the inscribedsymbol(s) or word(s) are illuminated. Note that OTST base plate 1110 isdesigned to transmit light from light source 1106 to edge lip 1111 withminimal optical degradation.

For an UV light application, base plate 1110, in one aspect, includesmultiple sub-layers wherein each sub-layer containing various statusindicators is configured to respond to a specific UV light or aparticular range of UV wavelengths. For instance, when an UV light witha first specific wavelength illuminates a first set of status indicatorsprinted by first kind of UV ink, and a second UV light with a secondspecific wavelength illuminates another set of status indicators printedby second kind of UV ink. Note that specific UV ink is designed to beilluminated when the UV ink is shone by a specific corresponding UVlight. As such, depending on the status of network system, a particularUV light may be selectively generated to illuminate a particular set ofstatus indicators in a sub-layer of base plate 1110. Note that one ormore molded-in or inscribed status indicators 1104 on the base plate1110, in one instance, become visible when they are illuminated by alight generated by one or more light sources 1106.

PCB 1102 is used to house various components and/or integrated circuits(“ICs”) including multiple light sources 1106 and light guides 1108.Light sources 1106 include an array of lighting elements which, forexample, can be LEDs. Each lighting element of light sources 1106, inone aspect, may be designated to a corresponding status indicator onedge lip 1111. Note that every status indicator indicates a particularstatus associated with network device 1002. PCB 1102 may include othernetworking components such as transmitter(s), receiver(s), powermanagement, memory, wireless and LAN transceivers, routingcontroller(s), packet processor(s), and the like.

Light guides 1108 are used to provide light passages, conduits,channels, and/or paths allowing light beams to travel from light sources1106 to edge lip 1111 via one or more medium with minimal opticaldegradation. Each light guide, in one embodiment, is designated orcorresponded to one light source and one status indicator.Alternatively, a light guide is responsible for guiding multiple lightbeams generated by several LEDs such as UV light sources to illuminateone or more status indicators. In one example, one end of light guidecouples to a light source while another end of light guide couples tolight diffuser 508 (shown in FIG. 11B). While optically coupled to alight source, a light guide conveys light beam(s) emitted from lightsource 1106 to light diffuser 508.

At light diffuser 508, a portion of light beam 1160, for example, exitsfrom light diffuser 508 with an angle and subsequently travels throughair before it hits the top surface of base plate 1110. Another portionof light beam 1166 travels from a light source to light diffuser 508 andthen from light diffuser 508 (as shown in FIG. 11B) to the bottomsurface of base plate 1110 via a prism 1152. To minimize optical loss ordegradation, the size and/or configuration of each light guide can beadjusted to provide proper internal optical reflections to maximizeoptical transmission with minimal optical loss.

In one operation, upon detecting a performance condition associated withnetwork device 1002, a light source corresponding to the performancecondition is selected to emit a light beam traveling through acorresponding light guide 1108 to illuminate a corresponding statusindicator 1104 on edge lip 1111. For example, when network device 1002is transmitting data at a rate of 2.4 GHz (Gigahertz), a correspondingstatus indicator labeling “2.4 GHz” may be illuminated. Illumination ofa status indicator can be achieved by projecting or shining a light beamonto an inscribed symbol or word(s). For an UV application, an UV lightbeam is selected to illuminate an UV inked icon representing the statusindicator such as 2.4 GHz.

FIG. 11B is a cross-section diagram 1150 illustrating network device1002 capable of displaying system status in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Diagram 1150 illustrates aside-view section B-B shown in diagram 1100 as indicated in FIG. 11A.Diagram 1150 includes a vertical viewing surface 504, an overlaygraphics 1158, PCB 1102, a light source 1106, a light guide 1108, anoptical prism 1152, a base plate 1110, a light diffuser 508, and astatus indicator 1104. Light guide 1108 is also known as light pipe.Status indicator 1104 may be referred to as a molded symbol, inscribedwords, and/or UV inked icon.

Overlaying graphics 1158, in one example, is a plane having variousstatus symbols, indicators, or icons showing real-time status of networkdevice 1002. The status symbols indicate similar information as statusindicators on edge lip 1111. Each symbol or icon represents acorresponding performance status of network device 1002. Verticalviewing surface 504, which for example can be a clear plane, is placedoutside of overlaying graphics 1158 as front plate of network device1002. In one aspect, status symbols printed on overlaying graphics 1158become visible when they are illuminated by one or more light sources.Since the information or status displayed on overlaying graphics 1158 issimilar to status indicators 1104 printed or inked on base plate 1110,both overlaying graphics 1158 and status indicator 1104, for example,may be illuminated and/or displayed simultaneously to increase viewingangle.

Light guide 1108, which can also be referred to as light pipe, is alight transmission conduit capable of transmitting optical light withminimal optical degradation. Light guide 1108 may be made of any opticaltransparent material with good or high optical transmittance withefficient optical reflections such as optical fiber(s). Light diffuser508, in one example, is an optical transparent window allowing passageof light. One side of light diffuser 508 is coupled to base plate 1110while another side of light diffuser 508 is coupled to vertical viewingsurface 504. A function of light diffuser 508 is to facilitate lightpassage between light from light guide 1108 to base plate 1110.

An optical prism or prism 1152, in one embodiment, having a side-view oftriangular structure is coupled with light diffuser 508 and base plate1110. One side of prism 1152 touches light diffuser 508 and another sideof prism 1152 contacts base plate 1110. A function of prism 1152 is totransmit a light beam from light diffuser 508 to base plate 1110 or edgelip 1111. Prism 1152, in one embodiment, is fabricated by opticaltransparent material similar to light diffuser 508 and/or base plate1110. In one embodiment, prism 1152, light diffuser 508, and base plate1110 are fabricated as one piece structure. For example, one piecestructure containing base plate 1110, diffuser 508, and prism 1152 aremanufactured via a mold-casted process.

Depending on the applications, light guide 1108 can be configured toguide the light beam(s) to a specific area of edge lip 1111. Forexample, if status indicators 1104 are located at the bottom surface ofedge lip 1111, light guide 1108 is configured to guide a light beam suchas light beam 1166 to pass through light diffuser 508 and prism 1152before it reaches to the bottom surface of edge lip 1111. Note that whenlight beam 1166 passes through the bottom surface of edge lip 1111,status indicators 1104 are illuminated. Alternatively, if the statusindicators are located on the top surface of edge lip 1111, light guide1108 is adjusted to guide a light beam 1160 to pass through diffuser 508and medium of air before light beam 1160 hits the top surface of edgelip 1111. When light beam 1160 arrives at the top surface of edge lip1111, status indicators located on the top surface of edge lip 1111 areilluminated.

FIG. 11C is a cross-section diagram 1151 illustrating a prism or opticalprism 1152 capable of transmitting light in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Optical prism 1152, in oneembodiment, is a triangular shaped structure located along opticalchannel 134 between light diffuser 508 and base plate 1110. Prism oroptical prism 1152 includes a first plane 1172, a second plane 1176, anda slanted flat plane (or surface) 1221. First plane 1172 of prism 1152is coupled to light diffuser 508 and second plane 1176 of prism 1152 iscoupled to top surface 1222 of base plate 1110. Slanted flat surface1221 intersects with second plane 1176 with an angle 1158. The degree ofangle 1158 may vary depending on the applications. In one embodiment,prism 1152 is fabricated together with light diffuser 508 and/or baseplate 1110.

Optical prism 1152, in one embodiment, is configured in such a way thatit is able to project light beam(s) onto a specific predefined area. Forexample, light beam 1132 is able to project light directly to area 1156located at the bottom surface of base plate 1110. When light beam 1130impacts slanted surface 1221 after it leaves from light diffuser 508, atleast a portion of the light is deflected from slated surface 1221 toarea 1156. A function of optical prism 1152 is to provide light guidanceto base plate 1110 with minimal light degradation. It should be notedthat other shapes of prism can be structured to provide similar lightguidance functions.

FIG. 12A is a cross-section diagram 1200 illustrating a light patterncapable of illuminating inscribed indicators 1104 on a surface of baseplate 1110 in accordance with the present invention. Diagram 1200includes an LED 1106, a PCB 1102, a light conduit 1108, a base plate1110, a prism 1152, a light diffuser 508, and an overlaying performancestatus indicators 1158. Base plate 1110 includes a top surface 1222 anda bottom surface 1220, wherein various status indicators can beinscribed either on top surface 1222 or bottom surface 1220. It shouldbe noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) ofthe present invention would not change if one or more elements wereadded to or removed from diagrams 1200.

When LED 1106 is selected to generate light, LED 1106 emits light suchas light beams 1202-1204. Depending on the position of LED 1106 and/orshape of lens 1107, different light beams may travel on different paths.For example, light beam 1202 travels to prism 1152 via conduit 1108 andsubsequently, is deflected onto inscribed indicator 1104 via a surfaceof prism 1152. Light beam 1204 arrives at back surface 1220 after it isreflected from conduit 1108. Depending on the angle of incidence atbottom surface of base plate 1110, a portion of light beam 1202 isreflected by bottom surface 1220 toward top surface 1222 and anotherportion may exit through bottom surface 1220.

The reflected light passing through top surface 1222 of base plate 1110creates an illumination region containing illuminated status indicators1104 which may be viewable from top surface 1222. For instance, a user1206 can observe device status from illuminated status indicators 1104as indicated by arrow 1208. Note that status indicators printed on topsurface 1222 or middle of base plate 1110 can be similarly displayed asthe indicators at bottom surface 1220. To widen viewable range, the sameor substantially the same system status is displayed via overlayingperformance status indicators 1158 which is located at a planeperpendicular to base plate 1110. When overlaying performance statusindicators 1158 and inscribed status indicators 1104 are illuminated inconcert, a large viewing angle 1210 for user 1206 can be achieved.

FIG. 12B is an exemplary three-dimensional (“3D”) diagram 1250 showingilluminated status indicators 1104 and overlaying performance statusindicator 1158 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.Diagram 1250 includes base plate 1110, status indicators 1104,overlaying performance status indicator 1158, and heat dissipating ventswherein indicators 1104 and 1158 are illuminated in a coordinatedmanner. For example, overlaying performance status indicators 1158 canbe displayed simultaneously with status indicator 1104 through verticalviewing surface 504. It should be noted that base plate 1110 isfabricated with OTST materials.

FIG. 13A is a cross-section diagram 1300 showing an example ofdisplaying system status via inscribed indicators 1104 viewable from thebottom surface of base plate 1110 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Diagram 1300, which is similar to diagram 1200shown in FIG. 12A, includes LED 1106, PCB 1102, light conduit 1108, baseplate 1110, prism 1152, light diffuser 508, and vertical viewing surface504. Light beams 1302-1304, in one embodiment, are calibrated to projecta column of illuminating light onto bottom surface 1220 of base plate1110 to display status indicators 1104. Note that the light beamcalibration includes, but not limited to, shape of lens, position of LED1106, angles of incidence, critical angles, and the like.

Base plate 1110, in one embodiment, is made by OTST materials wherebybase plate 1110 allows the light to pass with minimal light degradation.When status indicators 1104 are illuminated, the system status can beviewable almost 180 degrees as indicated by numeral 1310 from bottomsurface 1220. As such, user 1306 can monitor network performance byobserving illuminated status indicators 1104 from a direction indicatedby arrow 1308.

FIG. 13B is a 3D diagram 1350 illustrating status indicators viewablefrom bottom surface 1220 or backside of device in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. One surface of network device iscoupled to base plate 1110 which is made of OTST material. In oneembodiment, the bottom surface of network device attaches to base plate1110 which includes inscribed status indicators 1104 viewable from thebackside of the network device. When light projecting regions 1352 whichcontains status indicators 1104 are illuminated, device status can beobserved by an operator or user from the backside of the network device.

Diagram 1350 shows light projecting regions or diffused illuminationregions 1352 displaying system status viewable from bottom surface 1220.It should be noted that the light conduits in the network device arestructured in such a way that they guide various light beams to theirdestination in response to optical and/or physical properties, such asradiance reflection, optical projection, and/or optical deflectionrelating to light transmission. When status indicators 1104 areilluminated by light beams via calibrated internal reflection and/orrefraction, system status is viewable from the top side as well as backside of the network device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram 1400 illustrating a system status viewable rangedisplayed by network device 1002 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Diagram 1400 includes a top view 1410 of networkdevice 1002 in standing position, and a front view 1420 of networkdevice 1002 in standing position. Top view 1410 illustrates a statusviewable range of network device 1002 having a peripheral range ofapproximately 225 degrees. For example, a user can observe or monitorthe performance status of network device 1002 from a first position 1412which is between top surface 1222 and front view of device 1002, or froma second position 1414 which is between bottom surface 1220 and frontview of device 1002.

Front view 1420 shows a status playing panel capable of displaying agroup of overlaying performance status indicators 1158 through atransparent vertical viewing surface 504. When the angle between auser's line of sight and base plate 1110 becomes acute, statusindicators 1104 inscribed in base late 1110 could become unreadable. Forexample, if a user stands in front of vertical viewing surface 504,status displayed by status indicators 1104 on base plate 1110 may not bedistinguishable. To enhance viewable range of status reading, overlayingstatus indicators 1158 can be used to increase angle of statusreadability. As such, a wide angle of status monitoring range covering aperipheral region of more than 225 degrees can be achieved by employingboth base plate 1110 and overlaying status indicators 1158.

FIG. 15A is a cross-section diagram 1500 showing status display of anetwork device using UV light and UV inked status indicator inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 1500,which is similar to diagram 1200 shown in FIG. 12A, includes LED 1506,PCB 1102, light conduit 1508, base plate 1510, prism 1152, lightdiffuser 1518, and vertical viewing surface 504. Light beam 1512, in oneembodiment, is calibrated to project a column of illuminating light ontoUV inked status indicators 1504. In one embodiment, UV inked statusindicators 1504 are printed on bottom surface 1220 of base plate 1510wherein the indicators become visible when they are illuminated by UVlight 1512. It should be noted that UV inked status indicators 1504 canalso be printed on top surface 1222 of base plate 1510 or in the middleof base plate 1510. In one aspect, different UV inked status indicators1504 can be printed in places, such as top surface 1222, bottom surface1220, and/or middle of base plate 1510.

UV light source 1506 controlled by controllers mounted on PCB 1102 emitsUV light or UV electromagnetic waves to illuminate specific UV inkedstatus indicators 1504. Similar to optical illumination as discussedearlier, UV light can be calibrated similar to optical light beams andtravels through light conduit 1508 to reach its destination. UV light1512, for example, travels through light conduit 1508, diffuser 1518,and prism 1152 and reaches an illuminating area having UV inked statusindicators 1504. Note that a portion of UV light 1520 exits from bottomsurface 1220 while another portion of UV light 1530 exits from topsurface 1222 of base plate 1510.

When UV light strikes UV inked icons 1504, system status displayed by UVinked icons or indicators 1504 can be visible from bottom surface 1220of base plate 1510. Depending on applications, system status displayedby UV inked icons 1504 may also be viewable from top surface 1222 ofbase plate 1510. Depending on applications, a wide angle of systemstatus can have a viewable range of approximately 225 degrees.

FIG. 15B, similar to FIG. 15A, illustrates a UV light which iscalibrated and guided to project the UV light onto top surface 1222instead of bottom surface 1220 as discussed in FIG. 15A. Since baseplate 1510 is made of OTST materials, status displayed by UV inked icons1154 may be visible from both top surface and bottom surface of baseplate 1510. An advantage of using UV light is to provide visual effectwithout visible light. UV inked icons or indicators 1554 printed orinked on base plate 1510 are invisible under the normal condition, andthese icons 1554 become visible when they are illuminated by UV light.

It should be noted that, besides UV ink and light source, other types ofelectromagnetic-wave-sensitive inks and sources can be used fordisplaying performance status using similar approach as described above.

FIG. 16, similar to FIG. 15A, illustrates a status display using UVlight with multiple sub-layers of UV inked icons in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Diagram 1600 is a cross-sectiondiagram illustrating a network device having a multi-layered base platewith a wide viewing angle for displaying performance status. Diagram1600 include a light source 1106, a light guide 1108 a light diffuser508 with optical prism 1152 and a multi-layered base plate 1610. Baseplate 1610 includes multiple sub-layers 1610 a-1610 c wherein eachsub-layer may include one or more status indicators inked by one type ofUV ink.

In one embodiment, each sub-layer is printed with multiple UV inkedicons indicating system status wherein different UV inks are used fordifferent sub-layers. Each type of UV ink is configured to response toone type of UV light. As such, different UV light illuminates differentgroups of UV inked icons situated in different sub-layers. For example,UV inked icons 1604 a are configured to be illuminated by a first typeof UV light, and UV inked icons 1604 b are configured to be illuminatedby a second type of UV light. Since one type of UV light affects onetype of UV inked icons situated in one sub-layer, UV inked icons can beprinted one on top of another in different sub-layers to conserve thespace. Depending on the status, appropriate UV light is selected toilluminate a specific set of UV inked icons.

The exemplary aspect of the present invention includes variousprocessing steps, which will be described below. The steps of the aspectmay be embodied in machine or computer executable instructions. Theinstructions can be used to cause a general purpose or special purposesystem, which is programmed with the instructions, to perform the stepsof the exemplary aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, thesteps of the exemplary aspect of the present invention may be performedby specific hardware components that contain hard-wired logic forperforming the steps, or by any combination of programmed computercomponents and custom hardware components.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart 1700 illustrating a process of displaying statuswith a wide viewing angle using VU light in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. At block 1702, a process capable ofdisplaying system status obtains a first functional status in accordancewith at least a portion of device performance. For example, the processis capable of identifying a signal indicating bandwidth ofcommunication.

At block 1704, the process identifies an indicator corresponding to thefirst function status. For example, a “2.4 GHz” icon may be used toindicate a speed of data transmission at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Atblock 1706, UV inked sub-layer containing the first correspondingindicator is determined, and the corresponding first UV light, at block1708, is generated in accordance with the first UV inked sub-layer.

At block 1710, the process guides the first UV light beam via a lightdiffuser and optical prism to illuminate UV inscribed or inkedcorresponding indicator. In one embodiment, upon obtaining a secondfunctional status in accordance with at least a portion of deviceperformance, a second corresponding indicator is identified to signifythe second functional status. After determining a second UV inkedsub-layer containing the second corresponding indicator, a second UVlight beam is generated from a second light source in response to thesecond UV inked sub-layer. The process is capable of guiding a second UVlight beam via the optical guiding channel to illuminate UV inscribedsecond corresponding indicator.

FIGS. 18A-C illustrate a set of 3D device layouts capable of displayingdevice status with a wide viewing angle using an OTST plate inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those of skills in the art thatbased upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from this exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentinvention and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims areintended to encompass within their scope all such changes andmodifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A network device, comprising: an opticaltransparent or semitransparent (“OTST”) plate having a first surface anda second surface, wherein the second surface includes a plurality offirst indicators showing performance status associated with the networkdevice, wherein at least one of the plurality of first indicators isvisible from the second surface in response to a diffusing light; anoptical diffuser coupled to the first surface of the OTST plate andallowing at least a portion of light beam traveling through the opticaldiffuser becoming at least a portion of the diffusing light; and anoptical prism coupled with the optical diffuser and the first surface ofthe OTST plate, and configured to guide at least a portion of diffusinglight from the optical diffuser passing through medium of the OTSTplate, and allow the portion of diffusing light to illuminate at leastone of the first indicator as the portion of diffusing light exits fromthe second surface; wherein the optical prism provides an opticalpassage between the optical diffuser and the second surface of the OTSTplate for the diffusing light to illuminate at least a portion of thesecond surface; wherein the OTST second plate positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the first plate includes having approximately 90 degreeangle between a surface of the first plate and a first surface of theOTST second plate.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a lightguide coupled to the optical diffuser and configured to facilitatetransmitting light to the optical diffuser.
 3. The device of claim 1,further comprising a first light source coupled to the light guide andconfigured to generate a light beam to illuminate at least one of theplurality of indicators on the second surface of the OTST plate.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a second plate including aplurality of second indicators showing performance status associatedwith the network device.
 5. The network device of claim 4, furthercomprising a second light source configured to generate light beam toilluminate at least one of a plurality of the second indicators of thesecond plate.
 6. The network device of claim 4, wherein the plurality offirst indicators and the plurality of second indicators are sameindicators.